Web vs. App: How Do You Prefer Setting Up Your Router/Mesh

[To the ocean]

Just curious—when setting up your router or mesh system, do you guys prefer using the web interface or the app?

 

[sfx2000]

Web vs App has always been a thing...

I've always been ok with an App if a WebUI isn't present, as this does reduce the threat surface...

The challenge is devices with both WebUI and some kind of Application API's...

 

[RMerlin]

I prefer a web interface. Much easier when copy-pasting stuff on a computer. Imagine having to manually enter 5-10 DHCP reservations on a phone...

 

[Tech9]

WebUI, if available.

 

[degrub]

Serial port

 

[RMerlin]

Serial port

TTL, or RS-232?

 

[degrub]

LOL. When i first started working with industrial control devices in the '70s, there were still a few devices around that were interfaced directly at TTL, but most device manufacturers had moved to using a uart as the interface implementing RS-232 and 422. So minimal experience with just TTL.

 

[Ripshod]

When choosing a router, one of my major considerations is a full gui (a la AsusWRT). Anyone wanting security wouldn't leave their details on any device, in an app or otherwise.

 

[sfx2000]

I prefer a web interface. Much easier when copy-pasting stuff on a computer. Imagine having to manually enter 5-10 DHCP reservations on a phone...

Yeah, valid point, but this is also a UI/UX opportunity...

Airport's didn't have any issues there - more comments below

 

[sfx2000]

I should add that it does also relate to the target audience - it's nice to have the option for a rich UI/UX, and it is easier to accomplish this via a WebUI - but not everyone needs that level of capability, not do they have the technical knowledge/experience...

For some, a desktop/mobile app may be more than enough to do some basic settings - e.g. set the SSID, WPA passphrase, maybe even set up the primary and guest networks, and the WiFi Channels...

Google WiFi does this - and it's nice to be able to manage things securely from remote - think of it as one you can send over to a non-techie family member, and have a degree of comfort that you can remote in from the app and make changes if needed.

 

[Tech9]

I prefer setting up a new system in WebUI, but I'm using the App after as well. In my case UniFi App is fully featured UI with Site Manager. All devices control, VLANs, APs, VPNs, policy-based routing... it has everything available in WebUI. Uses 2FA login authentication, option for face ID, custom event notifications, etc. and currently doing monitoring of two home networks. I find myself opening the App more often than the WebUI.